Osteopathic FAQs

Osteopathy is a safe, natural and effective approach to diagnosis and treatment, devised by Andrew Taylor Still, an American doctor, in 1874. It considers the structure and functioning of each part of the body and how they relate and work with one another and in relation to you and your life, so it is holistic in its way of working. Osteopathy diagnoses and treats problems that may occur due to stress, injuries and disease, focusing on the joints, muscles, ligaments, nerves and connective tissues of the body to restore function and improve comfort.

Osteopathy treats people, not conditions or just symptoms. At Awoolfsson Osteopaths we give our patients our total attention as an individual person, in a friendly, relaxed, caring and professional environment. Many people present with similar symptoms but can be treated in different ways, depending on their build, age, level of discomfort, or preference for a particular form of treatment.

Osteopathy can help with many common problems during the growth and development of babies and children. Treatment of children is extremely gentle and does not involve strong massage or manipulation, usually using cranial or cranio-sacral techniques. Osteopathy can also help older children and teenagers with back pains, postural problems, headaches, and hip, knee, ankle and foot pain.

These osteopathic techniques involve very delicate movements of the skeleton, often referred to as Cranial or Cranio-Sacral Osteopathy, devised by Dr. W.G. Sutherland in the 1930s. He put forward the idea that small tolerances of movement exist within the skull and between the skull bones, forming an approach to diagnosis and treatment that he later expanded to treat the whole body, not just the head.

It is perhaps best known for its application to babies and children, as it is very gentle and does not involve strong massage or manipulation, but Sutherland felt that people of all ages could benefit from these techniques.

We always try to minimise any discomfort from treatment or the underlying problem, and osteopathic treatment is usually a comfortable, relaxing experience. It is not unusual to feel a little stiff or sore in the day or so afterwards, and we always explain what to expect and how to help this.

This form of treatment focuses on the organs of the chest and abdomen, using a light application of pressure to improve the function of that area. This can help with digestive problems such as IBS and constipation, circulatory problems, and symptoms that may seem to arise in the back.

It is not necessary to see your GP before booking an appointment if you are paying for treatment yourself. If you wish to claim costs through a private medical insurer, it is often necessary to see your GP first for a referral letter, so check with your insurer.

The number of osteopathy treatments a person needs varies from one person to the next and depends on the condition treated. We aim to keep the number of treatments to a minimum.

Yes, you can have someone present throughout the session if you wish. Let us know when you book if you would like a chaperone present, and if you are under 16 you must have an adult with you.